Westchester Church Celebrates Milestone with Beloved Community Leader

August 1, 2024 (White Plains, NY) - Union Baptist Church of White Plains is proudly celebrating thirty years with its pastor, Reverend Dr. Verlin Darek Williams. The milestone anniversary culminates with a gala honoring Dr. Williams on Friday, September 13, 2024 at the Sonesta Hotel in White Plains, New York.
Reverend Williams is a native of Detroit, Michigan who preached his first sermon in 1980. After matriculating at Highland Park Community College, Wayne State University and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Reverend Williams completed his academic studies at The School of Theology at Virginia Union University where he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree.
Dr. Williams’ pastoral ministry began in 1986 in Richmond, Virginia at New Light Baptist Church where he preached, taught and led the congregation into a major building renovation project to successfully restore their historic landmark building. On June 5, 1994, Reverend Williams preached his first sermon at the Union Baptist Church as its new pastor along with his wife Dorothy and their daughter Candacee.
In addition to spiritual leadership, Dr. Williams demonstrates his commitment to the church and Fairview-Greenburgh community through successful initiatives such as the Jobs for Life program, a job readiness program for young men in partnership with the Greenburgh Court, the Greenburgh Older Youth Initiative in partnership with Westchester BOCES and Westchester County, providing young adults ages 18-21 with in-home repair training. Other mentoring and support programs include Good for Girls, domestic violence awareness and prevention initiatives, a prison ministry for women at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility and their children, and support for the Children’s Village. During Dr. Williams’ tenure, the church’s Food Service Ministry has become a leading food distribution center impacting families throughout Westchester County.
On Sunday September 15, 2024, the Reverend Dr. Vernon D. Shelton, Sr. of Holy Trinity Baptist Church, Amityville, NY will be the guest speaker.

Gala tickets are available for $125.00. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.unionbaptistwp.org.